A DRUGS operation uncovered traces of cocaine in two-thirds of town centre clubs and bars.

Out of the 18 licensed premises tested by police for the Class A drug, 12 had traces of cocaine in their toilets – with women’s toilets containing more of the drug than the men’s.

Police have not released names of the bars, pubs and clubs were cocaine was found, but the operation was carried out in premises in the town centre along West Street, Waverley Street and Coronation Walk, with the consent of landlords.

Town centre Inspector, Gary Fairbrother, said: “The aim of the operation was to get an up-to-date picture of where drugs are being used most so that we can deal with the problem effectively.

“I am pleased that six of the bars and clubs we tested had no traces of cocaine in their toilets.

“To me it shows that they have experienced and responsible licensees at the helm and that their door staff and staff inside are doing their jobs properly.”

Police will now work to clamp down on cocaine use in the 12 bars and clubs where cocaine was found.

The tests were carried out by officers using wipes which turn blue when traces of cocaine are found on a surface.

In each of the 18 premises tested, officers swabbed the sinks and toilets in both the men's and women’s toilets.

Inspector Fairbrother added: “I will be encouraging licensees to meet with me to discuss what more they can do to monitor the toilet areas and what extra support we can give to prevent drugs being brought into the premises in the first place.”

And he had this warning for users: “Cocaine is a powerful, Class A drug which carries a maximum sentence of seven years for possession and life imprisonment for dealing.”

“People who use it are not only risking being arrested themselves, but are also lining the pockets of drug dealers, who are often involved in other crime.

“While Southport town centre remains a safe place to enjoy a night out with fewer arrests and incidents of disorder compared to other similar-sized towns, officers do encounter people who have become aggressive when using drugs and drink together.”

“My officers will be out in force throughout the summer to ensure people have a safe and enjoyable night out, and part of that will involve them stopping both men and women if they suspect they may have drugs on them, and searching them.

Police uncovered cocaine around the sink and toilets of both the men’s and women’s bathrooms in three premises.

Landlords told the Visiter it was difficult for them to police the problem but were working closer with officers to crackdown on cocaine use.

They asked the public to be more vigilant and look out for signs of cocaine use in people’s behaviour.

Some reported finding plastic bags stuffed down the back of sinks or left on the toilet floor which they believed had contained cocaine.